Michael Scharff Email & Phone Number

Berkeley, CA, US

San Francisco, California, US

Five years after beginning to work on the launch of Evolv AI, I have recently stepped down as the company's CEO. Leading the launch and early growth of the company has been an amazing journey and an incredible privilege. I am enthusiastic about the coming years for Evolv AI and expect exciting things to come. I continue to work closely with my co-founder.

San Francisco, California, US

• As Founder and CEO, I led the launch of Evolv AI from inception. I conceptualized and formulated the business plan and strategy, as well as orchestrated successful fundraising efforts from the initial raise to the.
• Achieved a significant revenue growth trajectory, scaling to $10M in annual recurring revenue within the initial five years.
• Garnered a total capital raise exceeding $23M by executing multiple rounds of financing.
• Founded Evolv AI by spearheading the conception of the business unit under Sentient Corporation.
• Negotiated the divestiture of the business via asset sale to Cognizant, while facilitating the inception of Evolv AI.

• In my role, I provide strategic consultation and advice to a select group of retail, consumer, and technology companies. I offer significant guidance on strategy and reinforce operational practices for various retail.
• Advanced digital and omni-channel commerce initiatives through business development, strategic planning, and digital marketing endeavors.
• Served various prominent clientele and distinguished brands, such as Leapfrog Enterprises, Barnes & Noble, Fetch, ChannelIQ (acquired), InSparq (acquired), Pikato (acquired), Pixlee-TurnTo (acquired), Prism Skylabs.
• Current advisory board clients include Feed Media and RetailNext

Starting as the Chief Operating Officer at Sentient (Aug-Oct 2018), I led the core business application unit (Ascend) and reported directly to the Board of Directors. Transitioning to CEO, I worked closely with the founding executive team and the Board of Directors, spearheading a major restructuring effort. This included overseeing the divestiture of.

Toronto, ON, CA

• Spearheaded critical digital and omnichannel commerce initiatives, acting as the business sponsor and driving important enterprise reinvention efforts. As a member of the executive leadership team, I played a role in.
• Successfully launched the revamped Sears.ca e-commerce and mobile solutions through the deployment of an entirely new digital platform, integrating with existing core systems to allow a full omni-channel consumer.
• Developed and launched a comprehensive omni-channel strategy, incorporating all channels into a seamless customer experience, leveraging existing and new infrastructure and systems.
• Oversaw the recruiting and hiring of a new digital leadership team, ensuring that the right talent was brought on board to drive our digital initiatives forward.

Parsippany, New Jersey, US

• Identified, developed, and managed innovative new digital business opportunities. Provided crucial leadership, insights and strategic direction to the global e-commerce program as well as enhanced omni-channel.
• Pioneered a range of innovative ventures, comprising a social game platform in collaboration with Ubisoft, a flash commerce enterprise in partnership with Rue La La, and a Digital Video Service in conjunction with.
• Spearheaded improvements to the company's e-commerce, mobile and social platforms by developing and leading partnerships with significant and emerging technology entities, like Google, eBay, PayPal, Shopkick and others.
• Continued leading the strategic development of the global e-commerce business, launching in multiple new countries in Europe and Asia Pacific.

Parsippany, New Jersey, US

• I oversaw Global eCommerce/Digital Strategy and platform development. I also functioned as the General Manager for the US-based RUS.com family of websites. I managed a team of over 100 direct employees and extensive.
• Drove exceptional revenue and profit expansion across Toys R Us' global digital commerce channels while increasing annual eCommerce revenue from $325M to over $1B and elevating EBITDA from significant losses to over.
• Successfully launched multiple new brands within the TRU portfolio, including FAO Schwartz and eToys. I also played a key role in facilitating the acquisition of new domains, such as Toys.com and others, further.
• Developed a new global e-commerce platform for efficient, rapid expansion and full integration into the unique market requirements of each country.

Parsippany, New Jersey, US

Staples Inc., Framingham, MA (2005 - 2007)Vice President & DMM, Contract TechnologyBest Buy Co. Inc., Richfield, MN:Business General Manager - Vice President of Computer HardwareSenior Director of Strategic AlliancesDirector of Online Stores - Consumer Electronics

Coursework In Artificial Intelligence

Coursework In Marketing And Economics

Coursework In Merchandising Effectiveness

Coursework In Computer Science